During natural disasters medical devices can be affected by loss
of power, water surges, and other disruptions. The
FDA Website offers information and related links to
assist in this situation. Other links include:
The FDA also encourages consumers to plan ahead for emergency
medication and medical supplies and shares the following on
keeping medications safe during natural disasters:
It is critical for healthcare facilities to have a strong supply
chain during and after a disaster, but that’s when it’s often the
most unstable. Transportation disruption, limited fuel access,
staffing shortages, and restricted access to damaged areas all
cause delays in delivery of important medical supplies and
medications.
Healthcare Ready,
formerly Rx Response, works to strengthen and support those
supply chains, bringing the public health and private sector
together to focus on ways to clear a path forward through
problems. It provides support through supply chain management,
exercises, pandemic preparedness, and disaster access.
In addition to members-only resources, Rx Open works to
help connect individuals with open pharmacies in affected
disaster areas and their blog to keep
interested parties up to date on capabilities and activities.
Individuals can also
request access to InfoCenter, their online
information-sharing forum.
California Pharmacy Law provides that a pharmacist may in good
faith furnish a reasonable supply of dangerous drugs/devices to
patients in emergency conditions without a prescription.
(California Business and Professions Code sections 4062 and 4064
and Health and Safety Code 11167)
